Fred w



(No Model.)

P. W. GOOLEY.

, covnn FOR INKSTANDS. No. 438,573. Patented Oct. 14, 1890.

' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRED \V. COOLEY, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, ASSIGNOR OF TVYO-THIRDS TO' JAMES C. HAYNES, OF SAME PLACE.

COVER FOR INKSTANDS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 438,573, dated October 14, 1890.

Application filed April 28, 1890. Serial No. 349,734- (N model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRED WV. COOLEY, of Minneapolis, in the county of Hennepin and State of Minnesota, have invented certain Improvements in Covers for Inkstands, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in inkstand-covers, and the obj ectI have in View is to provide a device that will automatically cover an ink-well, and is adapted to be moved to uncover it by a very light pressure from the hand that carries the pen that is to be dipped in the ink. The cover is also adapted to carry a calendar, an advertising device, or a memorandum-tablet.

The invention consists, generally, in the construction and combination hereinafter described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, Figure l is a perspective view of an inkstand with my improved cover attached thereto. Fig. 2 is a similar View showing the cover raised. Figs. 3 and at are also perspective views showing a modification for adapting the device to an ordinary ink-well.

In the drawings, 2 represents the ink-well of any convenient size or form, preferably having its upper surface plain, with no projection around the ink -receptacle, and with the front and back corners slightly rounded. The ink-well 2 is preferably secured to abase 4, and a frame 6 is preferably hinged to the said base at or near its rear edge. The frame 6 preferably extends diagonally forward from the point where it is attached to the base on both sides of the ink-well 2 to a point in line with the front and top of said Well, Where it may be bent upward and stand at an angle nearly perpendicular with the base 4. A flexible band or ribbon 8 is preferably secured to the base 2, and is so arranged in relation to the ink-well that as the frame falls forward the band 8 will cover the upper surface of the said Well, closing the aperture of the inkreceptacle.

A plate or pocket 10 may be attached to the upper extremity of the frame 6 by a flexible connection and is pendent therefrom.

The portion of the said frame which extends above the top of the ink-well or above the point Where the flexible cover 8 is secured preferably consists of a plate 12, to the upper part of which the plate or pocket 10 is secured.

The plate or pocket 10 may be arranged to receive a card having a calendar printed thereon, a memorandum tablet, advertisement, or other convenient device.

A cord 14 may be secured to the base 4.- and to the frame 6 to limit its upward movement and prevent it from being thrown beyond the center of gravity.

The frame 6, with the plates 10 and 12, is preferably made of some light material, in order to furnish but slight resistance in uncovering the ink-well, but still of sutficient weight to fall forward when released and automatically cover the said well.

The device is easily operated, as the hand strikes the pendent plate 10 and carries it back. The frame 6, attached thereto, will swing upon its connection and bring the cover into the position shown in Fig. 2. The pen may be dipped in the ink-well, while the frame is held back by the backs'of the fingers of the hand that holds the pen. After the pen has been dipped and removed from the well the weight of the overhanging portion of the frame forces it forward and draws the cover 8 down upon the top of the well, closely covering it and preventing the evaporation of the ink.

In order to adapt my device for use on an ordinary ink-well having a projecting neck around the ink-receptacle, I prefer to provide a spring-plate 16, which is attached to the base 6 and extends above the ink well and forms a smooth surface to receive the cover 8. This spring will yield to accommodate ink- 0 wells varying considerably in height, and will make a close fit around the projection on any ordinary ink-well.

I claim as my invention 1. In an inkstand, the combination, with 5 the ink-well 2, of the base supporting said ink-well, a frame hinged to the rear portion of said base and adapted to be held by gravity over said ink-well, and the flexible cover attached to said frame and arranged to be drawn I00 over the opening of said ink-well, substantially as described.

2. In an inkstand, the combination, with 'the ink-well 2, the base 4, upon which said ink-well rests, the frame 6, hinged to said base 4, the plate 12, projecting from the upper part of said frame, the pendent plate 10, secured to the plate 12, and the flexible cover 8, secured to and operated by said frame, substantially as described.

3. The combination, with a suitable base, of an ink-Well supported thereon, a frame hinged to the rear portion of said base and adapted to be held by gravity over said ink well, a cover carried by said frame, and a plate upon said frame, adapted to carry a' calendar or similar device.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of April, 1890.

FRED W. COOLEY. In presence of S. H. CHASE, A. II. MARTIN. 

